• Neutral bedding: If possible, swap bright or busy patterns for neutrals or soft tones, such as white, beige, or pastels.
• Neutral paint colours: Soft, calming hues help buyers see a blank slate for personalization.
• Minimal furniture: Remove any unnecessary furniture to maximize floor space.
BATHROOMS
Bathrooms in a home should look and feel clean, fresh, and spacious.
• Clear the countertops: Store all toiletries, cosmetics, and grooming items out of sight.
• Remove personal accessories: Hide toothbrushes, razors, towels, and other personal items.
• Neutral paint and decorations: White or a light grey paint, alongside a simple shower curtain, allows buyers to envision their future image of the room.
• Deep cleaning: Ensure grout, mirrors, and fixtures are shining. If expenses allow, consider replacing worn towels and bathmats with new, neutralcoloured ones.
BACKYARD
The outdoor area is an important part of the living space and should show that it has been wellmaintained.
• Tidy toys and equipment: Pack away as many toys as possible and store them in designated containers to reduce visual clutter.
• Maintain the landscape: Trim bushes and trees, mow the lawn, and ensure that flowerbeds are tidy.
• Remove debris: Clear any garbage, dead leaves, sticks, or clutter to create a clean environment.
• Create curb appeal with outdoor furniture and accessories: Benches, potted plants, or string lights can transform a simple area into a charming one, allowing buyers to envision an evening spent outside.
FRONT ENTRY
When selling a home, first impressions are crucial. The entry to your house should feel welcoming.
• Sweep the porch: Remove dirt, leaves, and cobwebs.
• Add a welcome mat: adding a clean, neutral design that complements the home exterior can go a long way.
• Potted flowers: Brighten the entrance with seasonal, colourful plants.
• Trim and mow the front lawn: Keeping the grass healthy works in your favour when buyers are looking for a well-maintained yard.
• Consider pressure washing: If there is visible dirt, mildew, or cobwebs on the exterior of your house or porch, a pressure wash can dramatically refresh the appearance.
THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE
Small details can make a huge difference when buyers tour your home.
• Wipe down the blinds: Dust-free blinds enhance natural light and will freshen up the space.
• Clean the baseboards: Baseboards can often accumulate dust, which detracts from the overall cleanliness of a room.
• Neutral decorations: Avoid bright colours, bold patterns, and any decorations that are too personalized( specific sports teams, bands, etc.).
• Maintain good lighting: Ensure all bulbs are functioning correctly, and consider adding lamps or brighter bulbs in areas with low lighting.
• Keep the floors spotless: Vacuum and mop thoroughly. Consider professional cleaning if your carpets are stained or if the floors appear dull.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
• Storage appearance: Buyers love to see lots of storage in their potential future home. Organize closets, cabinets, and garages to make them look spacious and functional.
• Minimize odours: Avoid strong cooking smells, pet odours, and heavy fragrances before open houses.
• Remember the depersonalize: The goal is to help potential buyers visualize your home as their own.
• Repairs: Address any minor issues, such as leaky faucets, squeaky doors, touch-up paint and drywall repairs, before open houses begin.
FINAL CLEAN
Before taking photos and videos, it’ s recommended to have a professional cleaning crew come in and give your home a thorough deep clean. A deep clean demonstrates that the home has been wellmaintained and increases its value to buyers, as a clean home tends to sell for a higher price.
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